Gov. Jay Inslee

I am confident people, young and old, will celebrate safely. And if it's a first date that doesn't go well, remind them to stay six feet away from you.”

Gov. Jay Inslee

Jefferson County will move into Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee’s "Roadmap to Recovery" phased reopening plan for COVID-19 a day early.

Businesses can now move to loosened COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday, Feb. 14 instead of Monday, May 15 as previously announced by Inslee.

"I know this creates more options for restaurants to make Valentine's Day special for couples who hoped they could have a night out," Inslee said.

"I am confident people, young and old, will celebrate safely. And if it's a first date that doesn't go well, remind them to stay six feet away from you," he added. 

Jefferson County is part of the Northwest region, which also includes the counties of Clallam, Kitsap, and Mason.

Inslee announced the Northwest region — along with the East,

North Central, Southwest, and North regions — were also given the OK to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

Moving forward the transition by one day will mean restaurants can open for inside dining, at 25 percent capacity, on Valentine's Day, which historically has been one of the busiest day of the year for the food service industry.

Also in Phase 2:

• Outdoor social gatherings can increase to a maximum of 15 people from outside the household (with a limit of two households);

• Indoor social gatherings can increase to a maximum of five people (with a limit of two households);

• Indoor ceremonies, weddings, and wakes are permitted, with some restrictions;

• Low and moderate risk sports competitions are allowed; and

• Indoor entertainment establishments can reopen at 25 percent capacity.